Leesey

I got mine done in Mexico on December 8th and I paid 4500 for mine. And I received 2 nights in the hospital and 2 nights in the recovery house with a nurse, cook, and housekeeper on staff 24 hours. My brother came with me and all I had to pay for for him was his flight everything else was included in my price. And my sleeve has been completed I have had no complications and no pain whatsoever not even the day of surgery.

been dealing with this as well. I keep 3/4 ounce pieces of cheese and 3.5 ounce yogurt. combined this is 120 calories i eat these when i feel the hunger pain and i eat every 2 to 3 hours. the weigt is peeling off. i have lost 58 pounds in 3 weeks time.

all solid meals. nothing spicy just eggs and yogurt

Anyone get really hot after eating? Any idea what causes this?

I know six people who have had the lap band. All 6 of those 6 people are still morbidly obese. For every pound they lost they gained it back somewhere along the way. The most time is 4 years out and the least time is 9 months out. Those are my thoughts... With the lap band results flutuate so much. Also, if your doctor would like data on the sleeve tell him to look up Gastrectomy, there is 30 years of data on stomach removals.

Thea,

We were both sleeved on the exact same date. This far out I've been doing great! No pain, no trouble with Water, etc. Just good! I have been craving fruit which I think is my body's way of saying go eat something. but who knows... you?

I was sleeved by Dr. Landerholm at the Puget Sound Surgical Center in Edmonds, Washington yesterday. From what I can gather, this center is one of a very few that does the procedure as an outpatient. I was there at 8:30 in the morning, surgery by 9:45, and in recovery by 11:00. They gave me a IV of saline, and sent me off. Because I live on an island, we took a motel room nearby, because I needed to go back today for two more saline IVs.

According to the doctor, it went beautifully, and apparently I have a lovely liver, something that, up to this time, I was completely ignorant of.

Thus far I have had zero difficulty getting down the Water. I keep a glass by my side, sipping constantly. The incisions are still oozing, but not terribly. I am more sore today than I was yesterday, but it's like I've done a thousand situps - uncomfortable, but not impossible.

Yesterday and today, Clear Liquids. Tomorrow, I start Protein drinks. The few I've tried all tasted horrible, but I've got LOTS of samples.

I'm thinkig of going to the gym tomorrow for the treadmill -- then I won't find myself exahausted and a half mile from home. Then again, I may just feel like lying in bed moaning...

How are my sleeve brothers and sisters doing?

who was your dr in Mexico ? and i am glad you are doing so well

Dr. Almanza.

Okay so latest update...

Friday night - had trouble keeping down Water in Mexico ( mexican Water has sodium in it and my stomach refused to deal with it) This was also my worst gas day, I burped every 2 to 10 seconds and it was not painful just aggravating.

Saturday - I flew home and tried some ice as soon as I got to San Diego, had no trouble with American water so all the way home I sipped water. This was also the day I learned what the sipping technique for me was. Everyone always talks about sipping and walking but never really describes in detail the process; for me a small sip and then 5 slow deep breaths allowed me to consume about 12 ounces of water in a little over 30 minutes without any of it coming back up. I also found out this day that walking for gas removal was a moot point as I had successfully learned the burping technique. So for me I think walking is great for excercise but I didn't need it for gas anymore. I also attempted to take my antibiotic today and it totally didn't work as the pill was way to large. Took first poop today was scared to push but otherwise I was great.

Sunday - This was the day I discovered sugared water works best for me. Up to this day I had consumed broth, apple juice, Protein, grape juice, kool aid, popsicles, iced tea etc. What I found was the closer the ingredients were to sugared water ( ie. popsicles, slushes, kool aid, etc.) the less trouble I had consuming them. This worried me so I called my coordinator who basically told me that at this point I should be focusing on consuming enough fluids, taking my antibiotic, and my Multivitamin and to worry about Protein once I begin mushies.

Monday - went to the doctor and had him check my sutures, blood, and give me all my meds in liquid form. He of course weighed me and I learned that my current weight is 383.20. Pre Op I was 410, Day of Surgery I was 397 for a total lost of 13 pounds, and Monday; only 5 days after surgery I was down an additional 14 pounds for a total loss of 27 pounds in 19 days. This was also the day I stopped burping unless I ate something. I purchased a childrens sippy cup which pushed my liquid consumption into overdrive - I consumed a large amount of fluids on this day 4 children's small slushes from Sonic, about 6 popsicles ( roughly about 1.5 ounces each) 1/4 of an apple juice box, 1/4 of a fruit punch juice box, about 12 ounces of orange Powerade, and another 12 ounces of water. I also took my second poop this day with no issues.

I also need to address the fact that I have had absolutely no pain throughout the entire procedure. No stomach pain, no gas pains in weird places, no suture pains etc. My biggest complaint is the constant burping I have been doing since surgery much like a baby. Sometimes I burp with frothy looking spit that comes up with it but, most times ( at least since Saturday) it's just air. and i am so craving fruit right now...bananas, mandarin oranges, strawberrys, fresh cherries etc. I want them NOW but I'm still on only liquids!

I had a 14 day pre op diet and whe nasked if I cheated I always say yes and no. Here is why,

I certainly chewed up anything I felt like eatting, but I never swallowed I always spit it out, I only ever swallowed liquids. This helped me dramatically because I got the craving out of my system without blowing my diet. I am 4 days post op now with no issues, so to answer your question, my mouth certainly cheated but my stomach never did.

I am 4 days post op in Houston, Tx! I would love to meet some friends who can share the burdens and the blessings. Let me know!

@bilka - yup I'm done!

@cinderella, Tat2Swan, Secret Surgery, mp8btpc, leeblewb thanks soooo much for all of your kind words I felt crappy yesterday and you guys helped me get through I couldn't really write on Wednesday or Thursday but today I really need to tell you guys , You guys are my heroes! You made me keep pushing through all the crud and nausea and discomfort because you guys told me it would get better...Thank you for everything!

Actually I feel great now! Wednesday morning I had surgery, Wednesday night I puked up dye and blood, Thursday morning I was bloated with gas and walked it off and I also had some Water (didn't stay down) 1/4 of a capri sun (didn't stay down), and a popsicle (only thing that stayed down). Thursday night I learned the burping trick (ie. they burp you like a baby and you burp and spit up all the nasty stuff). Today is Friday morning and I feel great. YEsterday the nure massaged my feet and just from that he had my burping and spitting up nasty tuff becasue he says there are nerves in your feet that connect with your tummy which is why walking is so great..

ok so gas x made me nauseous otherwise all went well

Thanks guys! I am currently awake it is 5:00 am in San Diego, and almost 7:00am in Houston. I am still calm but definitely a bit more somber. I can't believe it is finally here. Thanks Deb and Oopsseedaisy, you have no idea how good it feels that you have reached out to me and you dont even know me. Thanks for reaching out a hand when you certainly didn't have to.I sincerely appreciate it!

It is finally here, I am sitting in my hotel room awaiting the date and I am totally not even scared or anything yet... I thought it would have hit me by now... Sooooooo I expect that closer to it will be crazier for me but for now I'm just awaiting the time... Should I sleep before surgery or expect to rest afterwards?

OMG YES I am so sick of them! I have been on a liquid diet for 11 days and I am sooooooooooooooo ready to throw all the Protein Shakes away! I have been mixing with pudding and yogurt and anything I can think of to make it taste better!

Okay, so surgery for me is on the 8th of December (Wednesday). I fly out Tuesday at 9:00pm and from there it is a 9 hour wait in a hotel room and then off to meet the surgeon who will then begin any final testing and then surgery. What were your thoughts right before surgery? What were some last minute preparations that you made prior to surgery? I'm starting to get so pumped and excited that i doubt I will sleep tonight nor tomorrow!

My sleeve is occuring on the 8th as well, Howdy Sleeve Sisters! I too am nervous, but it's more that I've been preparing up to this point so much on getting approved and getting all of the pre stuff done that now that it's finally here I'm a little spazzed. I am sooooo looking forward to waking up the day after and looking myself over OMG!

So this liquid diet thing has been miserable. I just want to eat, everything I see that looks good. I had hoped to lose 10 pounds during this thing, but the weight is slow coming off. Only 7 more days of the diet and then I'm off to surgery! JEEZ..I just feel so crazy. Surgery is literally next week on Wednesday. Crazy! It's still not real yet and I dont even think I have dealt with the ramifications of the pain and discomfort of surgery so we'll see...

I first began looking in Texas as well ( i'm in Houston) and searched as far away as El Paso. I didn't find that would not require at least a 13,000 dollar loan that's including incidentals ( flight, hotel etc.) I am currently scheduled for surgery in Mexico (December 8th) and my total cost is 5500 (including flight and hotel) the surgery by itself is 4500. I initially planned to get it done in the summer but If I would have waited till then it would have cost an additional 3,000 dollars plus about 1000 in incidentals. So just throwing that out there....

Hi Guys. The seats on planes barely fit my big butt as it is. To go to surgery i do not mind being uncomfortable, but should I just go ahead and plan to fly post op on first class? I weigh 410 pounds currently and I am 6 feet and 2 inches tall. Anyone who flew to have their surgery please advise.

Successfully began Day 3 today with a great shake! However tomorrow I go back to work, as a teacher this scares the crap outta me! My classroom is literally 2 doors down from the cafeteria where the serve great things like pizza, hamburger, lasagna, etc. I do not know that I will be able to hold out!!

This is totally normal I went through the exact same thing!!!! Pre Op Diet Day 1 is my post from 3 days ago. By the second day I still had issues but was much more in control of my self, Day 3 so far has been a breeze. Anytime you feel the slightest bit of head hunger on the first day shove some yogurt, popsicle, broth etc in your mouth. That is what helped me. My coordinator told me the first day satisfy any craving you have with something liquid. And eventually it gets better this is the shake that I use now that makes me feel good.

Breakfast and Last Meal of the Day

half scoop of chocolate Protein powder

half scoop of vanilla Protein Powder

12 oz of Water

1 package of sf chocolate pudding

half scoop of low fat dry milk

5 or 6 cubes of ice

this whole shake is 230 calories and I begin and end my days with this shake. ( use a blender to mix it up otherwise it doesn't taste as great I use a Ninja I got for 50 bucks from Sams.

Anytime I get hungry, or crave something or just get head hunger I drink a cup of broth with pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder mixed in -- it taste like chicken noodle Soup broth, black cherry sf Jello, sf pudding cup, or a popsicle ( make sure you alternate between what you eat or you get bored)

But be prepared you will urinate ALL THE TIME -- this has been one of the most annoying parts of this process. I got up 7 times last night to pee. And yesterday we went and saw two movies and every 20 minutes I had to go really badly!

But you can make It!!! I PROMISE. I didn't think I could get through day 1 but I'm already on day 3. We can do this and we are totally strong enough to do this!

TStew,

You know I hadn't even thought about that. I was a total carb nut I liked to eat bread with everything! And sugar, dont even get me started. i haven't had any headaches just felt like I was not getting enough of what I wanted. Day 2 is like a complete 180 degrees. I have been more in control of myself in regards to food than anything. That might be due to the Subway sandwich I have promised my stomach if we can go 7 full days of this liquid diet and then go immediately back into the next 7 days. I don't know for sure if I will go through with the prize in this deal I have made with myself, but the idea of it definitely allows me to go toe for toe with the cravings. But, I have been so good today, calm and even sated with the liquid I have been allowed to eat.

As far as the technique you are talking about, my mother practices it and has been trying to get me to try it along with some other holistic approaches for decades. I too am a strong believer in whatever works ( including making deals with one's stomach LOL), so it can't hurt to at least try it. It's all about psyching yourself out. So, I'll definitely look into it and thanks again for sharing!

I would think that you're also going through some detox in addition to food withdrawals. When you cut the sugar and carbs and all that other stuff it's not uncommon to feel like total crap and get headaches and other discomfort. I did a 21 day juice cleanse once and I remember that it was supposed to take ten days for most of the toxins to be cleaned out. It was tough. I don't know how I did it because I had a fiboid tumor removed in Aug and I had to do a bowel prep and one day on Clear Liquids about killed me!! Just stay strong and from what I've read - after surgery it doesn't even matter because you're not hungry at all. It's much easier to do the liquids only after surgery.

Have you ever heard of EFT? It stands for 'Emotional Freedom Technique" and it's a form of self acupressure. You make a statement and tap on different areas of your face, neck and chest and after a few cycles the craving or the anger or whatever negative emotion you are feeling is just GONE. In minutes.... It's amazing! It really does work. I know there will be someone ripping me for giving out information without scientific proof that it works but I don't give a crap. I have a holistic background and I'm open to anything that WORKS whether there is scientific proof or not. I was taught EFT by a therapist in a professional setting and it WORKS. Gary Craig has a ton of free informtion on the web and there are many videos on Youtube that show you how to do the tapping.

Jane,

I needed to hear that. Thank you so much! I felt such disgust with myself until I read your post. I didn't realize how much I would need the support of others during this time, I thought all of the support I would need would be more physical then anything. I think this is the first time in my life I have exerted willpower with food and it is scary and empowering all at the same time.

My reason for going through all of this is that if I do not have surgery any children my husband and I conceive will be high risk pregnancies. At this time I do not have any morbidities, however, at my weight I would be on bedrest my entire pregnancy, pre-disposed to gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and a plethora of other issues that would significantly decrease the likelihood of carrying any child of ours to full term. In addition to all of that, weight gain and body shapes are hereditary, however having healthy eating habits is something that is learned through your family. I do not want any children of ours to learn horrific eating habits because I eat the way I do. My husband is a slim man, very healthy, but his eating habits are worse then mine. I quit smoking 2 years ago for this exact same reason, I do not want my bad habits to be passed on to my children, which in term caused my husband to jump on the bandwagon of no longer smoking. He and I both feel that once my eating habits change his will to by default.

Thank you again for helping me keep my eye on the prize.

You're not the only one who has gone through this. I did not have to go through 14 days. However, I did have to do liquid diet for two days before. It was absolute hell. I was a complete biotch to my poor husband and anyone else who dared cross my path. I went through shakes, shivers, obsessive running to the kitchen and almost eating something... and I did cheat. I ate a brownie on the Saturday before. And I ate four Cookies the morning right before surgery. I wanted to order pizza, mexican, chinese... all I could think about was food and how unfair it all was that I couldn't eat. But you've got to remind yourself of the reason you're doing this. If your reason is strong enough, it will get you through. For me, my reason for all this has been my son's smiling face and how I want to be a good mother to him. But in any case, stay strong. You will get through this. This too shall pass. And before you know it, you'll be sleeved.